Heart patients to pace marathon walk/run

Jim Lawrence and Corrine Gable will pace run/walkers through the 10 km portion of the BMO Okanagan Marathon this Sunday in Kelowna.

They are an amazing team—one-time marathoners dealing with having ICD’s (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) and both still choose to walk long distances.

They are Jim Lawrence, 77, who suffered a cardiac arrest nine years ago during the Friendship Run at the BMO Okanagan Marathon; and Corrine Gable, a 51-year old nurse whose life changed two years ago when she was found to have ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy), leaving her unable to run or take part in intense endurance exercise.

Together they will walk/jog the 10 km circuit at this weekend’s BMO Okanagan Marathon and in doing so will inspire others to keep going.

Jim started running at the age of 59 and it’s been a big part of his life. “It’s hard not to be able to run anymore, you go through a grieving process, but my motto is: It’s great to be alive.

“After my near death experience I value life everyday. I’m privileged to be able to walk, and I’m still fast.”

Both Jim and Corrine had been enthusiastic runners, doing iconic runs like the Boston Marathon before their health setbacks, and both still walk half marathons.

Corrine says it’s hard when the thing you are passionate about gets pulled out from underneath you. “It is still a struggle at times, but I try and look at my cup half full and not half empty. My husband is my rock of support, pulling me up on tough days.

“Jim and I are a team,” she adds, “we share our feelings and thoughts and provide each other with incentive to keep moving on. He’s a pretty amazing guy, who has a love for life.”

Both Jim and Corrine will be pace bunnies in the 10 km this weekend, helping others finish the race with, as Jim points out, “no specific time but just to finish.”

The BMO Okanagan Marathon gets underway on Saturday, Oct. 10, when the Running Room Friendship Run takes place at 9 a.m.

The 5 km event starts at 10 a.m., and at noon children and families can participate in the BMO ABC Kids Activities followed by a 1 km Fun Run.

The DDT Drumline Group, which performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, will warm up the crowds.

On Sunday, the BMO Okanagan Marathon’s main event, the 42.2 km Marathon Run/Walk, takes place at 7:40 a.m., followed by the 21.1 km Half Marathon Run/ Walk at 8:10 a.m.

The event Jim and Corrine will take part in, the 10 km Run/ Walk goes at 8:40 a.m.

The BMO Okanagan Marathon has an event for everyone—from the recreational, advanced and competitive runners to children and adults. Every participant will receive a T-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

The race is ideal for groups to build team spirit while also raising money for a great cause—The Sunshine Foundation: Dreams for Kids.

Spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on all the participants at the BMO Okanagan Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier.

The Sports Expo at Kelowna City Park, 1600 Abbott St., is open from Friday, Oct. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 to 1 p.m.

Register to participate in one of the best community and recreational events in the Okanagan at www.okanaganmarathon.ca/.

BMO in the community

Established in 1817 as Canada’s first bank, BMO has been serving customers in British Columbia since 1887.

Since the beginning, BMO has been providing donations and sponsorships to support families in communities where the bank operates. By helping to create vital and healthy communities, BMO best serves its customers and employees.